Expat Advice: Relationships in Antwerp, Belgium

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Antwerp

What is your current status? Are you single, dating, in a long-term relationship, married or divorced?

Married, no children

What is it like in your country of residence for someone with your relationship status (married/divorced/dating)? If you're single, how do you meet other people? Do English-speaking people tend to gravitate to certain parts of your city?

Being married is the norm. Having no children is NOT the norm. English-speaking people seem to mainly live in the Historic District or near the Art Museum. Because of recent gentrification, there is a bit of a move to the Docks area, but it's still considered a risky area by some relocators.

If you do not have children, do you generally spend your social time with other expat couples? If not, what else do you like to do as a couple?

I spend my time during the week with other married women. On weekends, my husband and I mainly travel by ourselves. There are some couple events - a few parties, dinner out together, a play, bridge - but mainly couples go their own ways on the weekends. Travel is the main reason why.

What would be the best advice you could give someone with your relationship status that lives in your country of residence? Any other thoughts?

IMHO (In My Humble Opinion): Join as many clubs as possible in the very beginning. You will be overwhelmed but it's better than being lonely and it's a great way to learn about your new country. As time goes on, you can pick and choose among the clubs and find the ones that best meet your needs. Also, learn the language immediately! No matter how busy you are, enroll in a course. You will feel so much better about yourself.